I totally get why keeping combined skipper and crew weight to a minimum is desirable for racing, but is there a point of diminishing returns as it relates to increases in wind speed? In other words, in 8 knots, the lighter crew/skipper weight is clearly an advantage. Is that also true in 15-20 knots or does it pay to have more weight to keep the boat down on the water?

My experience sailing as an "anatomically gifted" Hobie 18 and 17 pilot, and corroborated by the handicap corrections is that the crossover point where the heavier crews are equal or maybe half a touch faster occurs where the squirrels leave the trees. More correctly where the Race Committee decides that the crash boat guys are at risk and calls it off. So the lighter guys have an advantage right up until the heavy guys catch up and then ... it's all over.